Hard Brexit would prompt unification discussion: Irish PM

JULIEN WARNAND / POOL / AFP

Ireland's Prime Minister says the issue of unifying Ireland and British-ruled Northern Ireland will come up if Britain leaves the European Union (EU) without a divorce deal on October 31.

Leo Varadkar also said a hard Brexit would not fare well for Scotland’s place in the United Kingdom.

The Democratic Unionist Party, Northern Ireland’s largest pro-British party, responded strongly to the comment, saying they were “unhelpful and unnecessarily aggressive.”

Varadkar said a move to publicly plan for a united Ireland would be seen as a provocative "step" by pro-British unionists in Northern Ireland.

More from International news

News

  • Gargash: UAE could join US-led effort to secure Strait of Hormuz

    The United Arab Emirates could take part in a US-led effort to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed said, though he added no formal plan had been agreed and discussions were ongoing.

  • UAE President, Indian PM discuss regional developments

    UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a phone call on Tuesday from India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during which they discussed developments in the region amid escalating military action.

  • UAE sends urgent medical aid to Gaza

    The United Arab Emirates has dispatched an urgent shipment of medicines and medical supplies to the Gaza Strip as part of its ongoing humanitarian efforts under "Operation Chivalrous Knight 3".